Occasionally, I like to turn you on to my latest favorite books. Smart, successful people write books and share how they built their businesses, overcame challenges and created inspiring lives. They also post videos, podcasts and connect on social media. Here are a couple of author-friends you might want to meet.
“Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow
You think this election season is wild? Well, it is. However, since the birth of our country, bizarre politics have been the norm. It’s a good idea to brush up on U.S. history as we head to the polls in November. This biography of Alexander Hamilton is as good as it gets. You’ll be inspired by Hamilton and Washington, and the military and political leaders of the time. I was impressed by the writing and communication skills of these men. And I was newly informed in powerful, humbling ways by the role that slavery played in the Revolutionary War. Our founding fathers were complex, flawed men and a visit to our nation’s early days can put current events in focus.
Also, Lin-Manual Miranda, the playwright and star of Broadway’s musical, “Hamilton,” was moved to create the smash hit after reading this book. Discovering that Hamilton was a prolific poet encouraged Lin-Manual to construct a rap version of the story. Follow @Lin_Manuel on Twitter, and if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can listen to the original Broadway cast recording for free.
“The Ultra Mindset” by Travis Macy
I’m training for an ultra marathon! An ultra is anything longer than a traditional, 26.2-mile marathon. In December, I’m heading to Northern California with a girlfriend to run a 50K (31 miles) through the redwoods and finish the event by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge.
Travis Macy is an extreme athlete who uses his harrowing and entertaining adventure stories to illustrate leadership lessons. He has finished over 120 ultra-endurance events in 17 countries. He shares tales of bike riding over 24 hours straight, on Moab, Utah, red rock and from one 14,000-foot peak to another in Colorado. He has raced across China, through ancient villages, along rice paddies and limestone canyons, and he’s covered New Zealand’s South Island in one action-packed day of running, biking and kayaking. Along the way, he’s been hurt and broken and found the courage to carry him through.
Travis does 31 miles at lunch on a light training day. It makes me feel more confident that what I am intending is, well, doable – and that there are crazier people than me!
But here’s the thing. You don’t have to be an athlete to love this book. Even if you never get off the couch, we all go through extreme tests of character and physical endurance. Recovering from an injury or supporting a family member through a chronic illness; tight cash flow and challenges at work; a crisis of faith – the point is that’s life. Travis’ “Ultra Mindset” exercises can help develop the grit and integrity it takes to deal with tough situations.
I listened to the Audible version. Excellent! Also, check out Travis’ site at
TravisMacy.com.
Stay in touch
Pick a favorite social media portal. You don’t have to keep up with all of them, so decide if Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat or Facebook is the one for you. Befriend or follow the thought leaders who speak to your soul. Ask questions and get the help you need. And be willing to help another.
My one piece of advice here: Use good manners. You may disagree with others without vilifying them. Consider the best behavior of our founding fathers.
Ellen Rohr is an author and business consultant offering profit-building tips, trending business blogs and online workshops at
EllenRohr.com. Her books include “Where Did the Money Go?” and “The Bare Bones Weekend Biz Plan.” She can be reached at
ellen@ellenrohr.com.
